Back Pain Understanding Slipped Discs

March 13, 2019

What does it mean to “slip a disc?”

If you have significant pain in your back, you may think that one of the discs between your vertebrae has slipped out of place. That’s not quite what happens – but it is true that those discs can behave in ways they shouldn’t and cause a lot of back pain.

Here’s what you need to know about a slipped disc and what you can do about it.

What’s a Disc?

In between the bones of your spine are soft discs that cushion the vertebrae. These discs absorb the shocks of your daily activity, allowing your bones to provide support.

A disc is made of two parts. The inner portion is soft and gel-like. The outer part is a tough ring that protects the middle.

Unfortunately, and injury or weakness in your back can cause the soft middle to protrude through the outer ring. This is what people mean when they say “a slipped disc,” and it causes severe back pain.

Symptoms of a Slipped Disc

If you have a disc bulging outside of where it should be, your spine isn’t operating correctly. It isn’t supported, and it can impact nerves in your spinal column.

If this has happened to you, you may notice that you have pain or numbness on one side of your body. You might feel back pain, or pain in your arms or legs. The pain may get worse if you stand, or even if you sit down.

This all has to do with how your movements impact the mis-positioned disc, and what motions cause the nerves to send pain signals to the brain.

What to Do About a Disc Problem

A slipped disc is painful, but the good news is that it can generally be treated simply. In the short term, over-the-counter pain medicine can help, as can making sure you maintain good posture and take a lot of care when you move your back.

At the same time, you can’t stay immobile or your muscles will weaken and make the problem worse. Instead, you also need to do stretches that strengthen your back muscles, allowing better support of your spine.

Fortunately, many of these exercises can be done in a way that doesn’t make your back pain worse. You can also visit your Little Rock chiropractor so that we can review your situation and offer additional options.

In extreme cases, you may need medical intervention or even surgery to solve the problem.

Address Back Pain at Your Chiropractor

Back pain is not something that you have to deal with alone. Your Little Rock chiropractor is here to help. We have a variety of treatment options that can address slipped discs, muscle aches, spine alignment, and much more.

You don’t have to live a life that’s limited by pain. You deserve an active, full life where you can enjoy the activities you love. If you’d like to reclaim a life free of pain, let us help. You can contact us for an appointment today!

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